Sport

County announce ten-year deal to stay on Parade

NEWPORT County AFC have confirmed that they have signed a new ten-year lease with Newport RFC and Newport Gwent Dragons to continue playing at Rodney Parade.

The news, as revealed by the Argus yesterday, was announced at a press conference at the ground this afternoon.

County and Rodney Parade Ltd issued a joint statement, which reads: "Newport Rugby and Newport County AFC are delighted to announce that they have agreed a ten-year lease for Newport County AFC to play at Rodney Parade which meets the requirements of all three clubs and their governing bodies.

"The agreement will include Newport County AFC laying a new playing surface at Rodney Parade during the closed season with the Rugby Club investing in a new irrigation system to complement it.

"In addition, there are plans to further develop Rodney Parade over the period of the lease and there will be benefits for the local community as a whole.

"This pitch will be a community facility and may involve other major stakeholders from The City of Newport."

Rodney Parade CEO Chris Brown said: “We are obviously delighted to have signed a new deal with Newport County. We have said for some time that sustainability is the key aim of our Board of Directors at this time. In difficult economic times, the investment ofNewportCountywill be vital to ensuring the financial future of rugby at Rodney Parade.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the administrative and operational staff at Rodney Parade, particularly our ground staff, who have works tirelessly this season to not only ensure that the pitch and facilities were of a high standard for our new tenants, but that the players, staff and supporters have been made to feel at home.

“The idea behind the bequeathment of Rodney Parade was the promotion of several different sports, and we are proud that the introduction and maintenance of football here is in keeping with that.”

Exiles chief executive Dave Boddy said: “This is another milestone in the history of Newport County AFC.”

“We now have a secured future and a platform from which we can formulate a long term business plan and structure for many years to come.”

“We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Newport Rugby, with whom we have an excellent working relationship. It is an exciting and unique partnership with many joint opportunities which can only benefit the City and the wider community”.

“Hopefully, what we have achieved off the field today will help support what Justin and the players are achieving on the pitch”